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Friday, February 24, 2012

THANK YOU COURTNEY FOR DOING THIS INTERVIEW- IT WAS A PLEASURE- AND HOPE TO DO A FOLLOW UP SOMETIME!!! TY

JG- What put you in place to do horror movies? Was there a film in your past that grabbed you that you knew that you wanted to act and horror was the path?

CS -Well, my friend Ben moved back from Florida and he started his own film company. So basically I fell into it, and ever since then I'm addicted to it now. Some of my friends from high school kind of figured I would be involved with something like this as I got older. I always had that psycho charm to them. Haha! Also, I was always into horror films more than anything. Rob Zombie's films are my favorites. Sherri Moon Zombie is the way to go! (:

JG- What is your favorite horror movie (old and or new)?

CS -My all time favorite horror movie is the original Halloween. It was the very first slasher movie I ever watched. (:

JG - If you were asked to be in a remake of a classic horror- one that would be respectful to the original , the type that would make fans happy and feel good about the film, what movie would you like to do?

CS -I would have to say Nightmare on Elm Street. Just because the killer comes at you only in your dreams. Theres endless possibilities and ways to die.

JG - If you had the opportunity to pick a cast and director to star in a movie with, who would they be?

CS -I'm not going to lie, the company I'm with, I couldn't ask for much more. But to bring someone in to join us in a movie? I'm going to have to say.. Sherri Moon Zombie! [:D] She plays a very good psycho/killer. You can't get much better than that!

JG - What kind of film would you love to do, not horror in any way shape or form and why?

CS -If I would make a Romantic film, there would be the whole lovey dovey thing, but in the end..someone would die. Slasher style! (: Haha! But, I would definitely do a Comedy. Everyone needs a good laugh, and that's something I'm very good at making people do.

JG- A question that comes to my mind as of late is this- and it is kinda two fold and really all about ones own opinion – so get on your soapbox and let it rip. The questions is this- how do you feel about the saying “ horror movies do not create killers , it makes them more creative?’ I read that as a status one day and found it very intriguing.

CS -People are going to kill no matter what. I think horror movies kind of give them a little bit of an idea on how to do it. People could watch SAW, try making there own little traps and have them ending badly. They don't even have to want to kill somebody. They could just imitate a horror film and have it blow back in their faces.

JG-A little more thought provoking- how do you feel horror influences society, as in , in hard times for the world- society, for example, since 9/11 there have been a lot more horror hitting mainstream (be it original or remake)- is there a connection in your opinion in “current” events that shape our way of looking at the world even via through film? The sad ,lowly feeling a lot of folks feel during this recession and time of war, we see more grisly film, maybe to show us that it really isn’t as bad as we may think or feel? (please ask if this needs more clarification, it’s a hard one to word just right!)

CS -Well seeing how everyone's saying the world is going to end, I think that there is going to be a lot more films coming out about Zombie Apocalypse, Aliens, and just natural disasters to freak everyone out. Also, with our one film FED. We are basically trying to get out that people can get a hold of drugs real easily now, and use them in the wrong way. FED was inspired by the fact people could easily get bath salts and get high off them. Seeing visions of crazy things, when really your the one that making the actions.

JG- Are you a reader and if so , what is your favorite book and author?

CS -I never have time to read. Way to busy with films and work. Gotta chase that dolla' yo! (: haha

JG- Now ,fun stuff, if I were to snag your IPOD - what music would be on it right now ???

CS-Oh boy. There's tons and tons of different music on it. Anything from Heavy Metal, Country...but mostly Rap. My personal favorite, Nicki Minaj. I have basically every mix tape, featured songs shes in, her whole Album, and some of her new stuff. I seriously can't wait until her new Album comes out! I love her to death! (:

CS -Twilight. Yes, I'm one of those fans. Haha! The movies are decent, but there's one thing I don't agree with..Vampires don't glitter. (:

JG- Last one- there is horror that makes a point, makes a statement , there are some for sheer shock value, and some that are for just the fun of it all- how do you feel about that? I mean like, is horror a place for the metaphor of human suffering or political agenda? Is it for just the “lets scare you real good” – and for the fun get away of everyday life? Another personal opinion question- but its interesting the myriad of answers this one can garner!

CS -I know with our company, we bring fun into it, and also humor. I feel that horror film are just to entertain people. But, some of them also bring good points to everyday life and make people see whats really going on. For example. kidnapping. That sometimes points out what could really happen, and what that person would go through. I mean, you could end up going for a walk and be missing in a flash. Happens everyday to someone.

CS - We have our 2 movies out, FED and Candy Necklace. We are currently writing scripts for the next three movies, Manster, Nullem De Nocte, and BenMan. We also with be attending Monster Mania in March, Blood on the Beach in April, and Horrorfind in August. Look for us there! (: You can also check out our website www.bloodproductions.com
! Thanks for having me! I really appreciate it!

JG- What put you in place to do horror movies? Was there a film in your past that grabbed you that you knew that you wanted to act and horror was the path?

BD -I have realized that there is nothing more horrifying than real life. My brother passed away from suicide back in 2003 and at the funeral I lost myself. Since then I have done unspeakable things but have never harmed anyone. I turned to watching horror as a way to figure out and deal with death. I then became interested in what I can do to in a horror film to get my thoughts and imagination out to the world. My mind is a dangerous apacolyptic battleground of good and evil. So far evil is winning.

There is a film I was drawn into that started me into the business. I have been a huge fan of Cradle of Filth since finding their first full album at the record store. I learned of a film called Cradle of Fear directed by Alex Chandon and I was hooked into the mindset that this is what I can do. I got my copy of Cradle of Fear after my brother passed and it took a while to get over the trama enough to watch it. Looking at disgusting independent horror has been a great release for me since then. With so much available to the
common film-maker who can now shoot a whole film on his little rich mans ipod thing, Anyone can attempt to enter into the film making business. It is not a business for everyone because especially in a small town the jealousy factor is greater. Two people will love what you do then there is always the little immature kid who is out to destroy what you work so hard to build up. The films my company Blood Productions shoots are all out of pocket and everyone involved all take hours upon hours out of their day to be a part of it. My Blood Angel Demon Girls courtney Sellers, Amber Haralson, Ange Griffin, and Tori Wagner along with my best buds Chris Anderson and Scotty Suloff who is the world known Bonjo the Clown from Field of screams are truly the people that make Blood Productions films what they are. Without their hard work and efforts along with putting up with me, I would be laying drunk in a ditch wishing I did something good with my life. The films we made so far are short projects and photo shoots but trust me it is all practice for the Big feature film coming up.

JG- What is your favorite horror movie (old and or new)?

BD -I am a huge fan on anything independent. I met my best friend and owner of Warbranch Productions at my first horrorhound film convention back in July of 2007. He was selling his short film the Shack at a table and I grabbed my BS degree in BS posing as a film maker. We struck conversation then he invited me to help with a film called Hell Walks The Earth and it changed my world. I was a background actor who played five different zombies as well as the strikingly hott girls (played by Stephanie Grote) dead boyfriend. Hell Walks The Earth is a black and white tribute to old classic zombie films. It fits comedy strategically into parts that already have you setting on the edge of your seat. Combine this with an amazing soundtrack by Form 30 and you got a win win situation. Although I had help in making this film, I still choose this as my favorite because it opened my eyes to the attitude
of Terence Muncy and his film making skills. There was a lot of ideas and drama surrounding the set I was on until Terence walked in and took charge. People would tell him no you can not film here so whats the point of filming if you do not have a location and he just simply said get into your cars we are going down the road I will film this scene elsewhere. This film reminds me to this day that if you do not control your dream and your set then you will end up with chaos that will destroy your film. You must step your foot down and say this is how it is and I will shoot it with you or without you and that is what makes a film successful in my mind. That is why I like Hell Walks The Earth.

JG- If you were asked to be in a remake of a classic horror- one that would be respectful to the original , the type that would make fans happy and feel good about the film, what movie would you like to do?

BD -I would have to start by saying I am partial to the remakes today. There are good remakes and there are horrible ones out there but I feel it is a cry for help from Hollywood saying we have too much bloody money and no ideas. Hollywood can suck an egg for all I care. I love my independent crew, fans, and fellow film-makers. To answer your question is a rare find that I came upon a while back called Alucarda. It is a Mexican film by director Juan Lopez Moctezuma if I spelled that right. The film was about two orphaned girls raised by nuns who raise a demon spirit and become possessed. It came out a little after the Exorcist I think or around the same time but it draws you into the story and keeps you there. I would choose this film as a classic remake due to its underground B-movie likeness and the fact that few people actually know about it although you can watch it on youtube. Yeah I am pretty sure you can because they have full films on there now.

JG- If you had the opportunity to pick a cast and actor to direct in a movie with, who would they be?

BD -I am going to answer this question wrong and brag a bit but I would have to pick my cast and crew to always direct my films with. My Blood Angel Demon Girls are the best four women a man can ever have model for them. Courtney, Amber, Ange, and Tori are the baddest women you would hate to have on your bad side. My best friends Scott (aka Bonjo) who plays a clown at the world famous haunt Field of Screams in Mountville PA and Terence of Warbranch Productions. My effects crew of Little Black Crow Effects Rob and Arle always do a great job on makeup effects for us. Aaron and Cliff are my two biggest promotors not to mention Cliff is a great actor with lots of neat stuff. You can see in FED that Cliff owns his own gyrocopter and cannon of all things. A director can not ask for more especially in an area where not many other people do films to the extent that we do.

JG - What kind of film would you love to do, not horror in any way shape or form and why?

BD -This is a good question because every other genre of films I can think of become horror. I tried to choose shooting a romance film but I suck at that love crap. Comedy is always a big win because a lot of variables need to come together to make it work. Not only does the director need to be on game with a good written story but the actors will make or break you while shooting it. I think of one of the legends I grew up with that will work great to feed off of. Benny Hill and his comedy sketches have always made me laugh as well as been a good tool to use for my own films. The show he had did a lot with camera tricks that was most ahead of his time. The way he would hold up a set of clothes and suddenly change while standing in place to speeding up the footage of him running away with the other actors slowly walking around was genius.

JG - A question that comes to my mind as of late is this- and it is kinda two fold and really all about ones own opinion – so get on your soapbox and let it rip. The questions is this- how do you feel about the saying “ horror movies do not create killers , it makes them more creative?’ I read that as a status one day and found it very intriguing.

BD -This question dives deep into ones moral which has been the center for all the dramatic fights with Blood Productions and its enemies. Every single person in this entire world is in essence a killer. The only control that keeps humanity from destroying itself is the fear of hiding the bodies. This question is exactly like saying knives kill people but look into what you are saying. A knife is only an object and the driving force behind it is a crazed human who has done nothing but been driven over the edge by his environment. Take me for instance, if another woman I ask out tells me lets just be friends then I am probly going to reach this point where I grab a machete and hockey mask. People are not born killers but those around us mold and force us to come to that as the only option. What society defines as "normal" where you come home from the office kiss your wife and kids in your tv land world does not exist anymore. People are constantly rejected now more than ever and it bottles up inside until we explode. Most people go hug a puppy and beat a stripper then go home perfectly fine without killing anyone. There are that certain few that lose where to go and feel a need to let out that bottled anger. My phone is covered in masking tape because I throw it all the time. I threw it on set the one day and lost the back cover that holds the battery. Even though it still works it tells the woman that I am on a date with that this guy is secretly violent and angry. Therefore horror films are an art form that most people can let out their violent energy without lifting a finger. It is a tool to help calm immoral thoughts to todays society and keep you out of jail. It can be a tool used in the wrong hands at the same time to give a person somewhere to hide the bodies. I find that lime works unless you feed them to the pigs although I have never did that... yeah....... next question sir.

JG -A little more thought provoking- how do you feel horror influences society, as in , in hard times for the world- society, for example, since 9/11 there have been a lot more horror hitting mainstream (be it original or remake)- is there a connection in your opinion in “current” events that shape our way of looking at the world even via through film? The sad ,lowly feeling a lot of folks feel during this recession and time of war, we see more grisly film, maybe to show us that it really isn’t as bad as we may think or feel? (please ask if this needs more clarification, it’s a hard one to word just right!)

BD -I can honestly tell you as a United States Marine that I have seen some pretty bad stuff. Every day you must tell yourself that the black dot on the other end your sites is just a target. He is not a man protecting his children and way of life your government told you he is an enemy and is out to hurt your family. This is how you sleep at night. At the same time horror films have a huge release from what is going on in the world. A 2012 end of the world film is going to be more popular now because there is a curiousity that will bring people to watch it. I know of a brilliant documentary entitled An American Nightmare which takes a look at the classic original films and compared them to the current events of their time. The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre had the family working at a run down gas station and a bunch of kids out of gas stopping there. This was around the time where gas was not everywhere around creating long lines at the pumps that stretched for miles. Blood Production's short film FED compares ones man drug induced trip to that of the current deal with legal bath salts being sold right at the gas station. FED follows Marcus who is rudly awakened one morning after an end of the world party by a military woman. The woman is claiming that the living dead are attacking and he should wake up and fight back. I will not give away the ending or good parts but I use that to show the correlation that society does have a huge effect on what horror films are going to rise above the rest. As long as you can keep the interest of your audience hours after watching your film, then you have correctly done your job getting the message out. How prepared would MacGyver be for the end of the world?

JG - Are you a reader and if so , what is your favorite book and author?

BD -I really can not read too well I get distracted easily. I want to read Kane Hodder's book Unmasked written by Michael Aloisi. Kane Hodder has played Jason Vorhees in parts 7 thru 10 and is one of the best people to meet at a horror convention. I have also been a huge fan of Joe Knetters works also. I met this brilliant guy at a horror convention years back and his style of writing is fun to read. His books are amazing including Zombie Bukkake! Hard to pass up.

JG - Now ,fun stuff, if I were to snag your IPOD - what music would be on it right now ???

BD -Oh getting kinky now... wait you meant the music playing thing. I would have a wide range of music on an Ipod if I could afford one. Everything from Alice Cooper and Megadeth to Slayer and Iron Maiden. In my car I jam out to booty shakin music thanks to Courtney.

BD -I can not say what my guilty pleasures are but there is someone who can. Jacko my inner voice just loves listening to Prince and Michael Jackson songs. Jacko is the inner demon circus clown that I let out every once in a while. We are always having arguments about everything and eventually I turn on some of the strangest music and find Jacko singing to it moments later. It is like the Greek Mythology story about Achilles how nothing could hurt him except for that one soft spot. Jacko is the reason for all my twisted doings and abnormalities in life. Pulling up to a biker gang looking all cool and jaming to little red corvette takes a real man or a complete mental case. My advice to anyone on this matter is. Life is too short to fear anyone or anything. Take away the fear of what others think about you and you will become more yourself than ever. You will live your way do your thing and love yourself more. If that biker gang decides to take out a psychotic lunatic listening to prince at a red light... they will be in for a
pleasant surprise when they figure out this lunatic carries more weapons than the average citizen in a zombie film.

JG - Last one- there is horror that makes a point, makes a statement , there are some for sheer shock value, and some that are for just the fun of it all- how do you feel about that? I mean like, is horror a place for the metaphor of human suffering or political agenda? Is it for just the “lets scare you real good” – and for the fun get away of everyday life? Another personl opinion question- but its interesting the myriad of answers this one can garner!

BD -I like this question best of all. My company Blood Productions lives off of raw cutting edge horror. I believe there is no stronger aspect to horror than that which relates to real life these days. The old monster jumping out from under your bed just is not scary to todays standards. Now if there was a dead hooker under there that you forgot from last week and the cops are knocking down your front door then the real horror starts. I define horror simply as a fear of loss. Think of a little girl with a stuffed bunny. She is happy and joyful just skipping down the sidewalk laughing and singing. Suddenly a stranger appears from around the corner fence. The stranger grabs her stuffed bunny and stares blankly into her eyes. The little girl is now experiencing the fear of loss which in turn translates into what we define as horror. Losing what which brings us happiness will lead us into a downward spiral of fear and horror. He who can successfully translate this fear of loss into his audience through a horror film is truly a master of horror. To have an audience leave your film crying for the little girl who lost her stuffed bunny means that everyone has been entertained and affected by your film. Your message as a director has been said your mission is accomplished.

BD -I can eat this up all day! Here at Blood Productions we are constantly inventing ourselfs because we are NOT and never will be top notch hollywood crap. I have a passion for Indie films that my crew shares with me and we do this all out of pocket for the love of the craft. Keep updated through our website at www.bloodproductions.com and our facebook fan page at facebook.com/bloodproduction. We will be at Monster Mania 21 horror convention in Cherry Hill New Jersey, at Blood on the Beach convention in Jersey Shore, at the Days of the Dead in Indianapolis Indiana, and at the Horrorfind Weekend in Ghettysburg Pennsylvania. We have a huge film to start shooting this summer called BenMan. I am very excited about this project although how I am going to flip a car end for end and hang a girl upside down from a tow truck racing down the road is impossible at the moment not to mention those are not the biggest stunt scenes in the film. BenMan is an adaptation of a six grade comic book that I have drawn up with my wicket imagination. It attacks school bullying and how it affects those who are bullied over the edge. This is a very gory super hero film following school bully Ben Mann whos head was cut in half after a fight from picking on Jack Jaster.
Jack is Ben's arch enemy always being picked on but when Ben crosses the line in a prank causing Jack's girlfriend Damonique to wreck this sends Jack over the edge into a mental asylum. As Damonique fights for her life in an iron lung unable to breathe Jack breaks out of the asylum transformed into the wild jester known as Jacko the Jester who returns to the town to destroy everyone that has ever picked on him. Especially Ben Man now picked on for wearing the bandage over his eyes from the accident making him look like a super hero. BenMan must fight with his conscious as he tries to stop Jacko and make up for the chaos he has caused.

Blood Productions will also feature the film SLICE by Warbranch Productions in July at the Days of the Dead convention. Slice is a tribute to classic horror where seven beautiful women gather in an abandoned house for an all girls party but there is an unwelcomed guest hiding somewhere in the house. More details to come as this genius film by Terence Muncy continues to be edited.

Last the Blood Angel Demon Girls will continue to Introduce, review, and discuss Independent horror films. Friends of Blood Productions who want their film reviewed by my BAD Girls can email us through our website or send us a facebook message to get your submission in. We love what we do and love spreading the word even more. Hollywood is at its lowest for new ideas and now is the time for Independent Horror films and directors to rise above! There will be no world peace without ultimate Horror. Blood Productions vows to bring you the best we have to offer.

Special thanks to John Ginder for this interview and amazing questions. I hope you like our answers and check out our website www.bloodproductions.com The biggest thanks goes to our fans new and old for their support of Independent Horror!

A SHOUT OUT TO ADOLFO FOR GETTING ME THIS CHANCE TO THROW AN INTERVIEW HIS WAY! MAJORLY BUSY MAN- GETTING THIS AWESOME EVENT CALLED "DAYS OF THE DEAD" GOING FOR ROUND 2 THIS YEAR- SO- LETS GIVE HIM A HAND- HE HAS DONE AN AWESOME JOB THUS FAR!

JG- What put you in place to do horror conventions?

AD -Originally, DAYS OF THE DEAD was going to be the mid west expansion show for one of the long established horror conventions on the east coast (which I am not at liberty to name) and early on they approached From Dusk Till Con about sponsoring a costume contest or film festival for that show. A few months later, the original promoter who owned the branding for the east coast convention changed his mind and dropped out, though the hotel and location were already secured and contracts were signed. Rick and I were offered the opportunity to take a partnership role and I was asked to become the face of what went on to become DAYS OF THE DEAD. We though about it for a few weeks, but as huge horror fans who go to about 4-7 horror conventions a year, it was an offer we simply couldn’t refuse.

JG -What is your favorite horror movie (old and or new) ?

AD -My two favorite horror movies have always been the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and the original INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS with Kevin McCarthy. Both were so simple, yet effective, in creating tension and suspense in a way that still holds up to this day. I love the feeling of despair in both movies where it's only a matter of time before it's all over, be it by zombies over taking over the house or pod people taking over you in your sleep. Aside from that, I really love JAWS and ALIEN, as well as the original NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.

JG- If you were asked to be in a remake of a classic horror- one that would be respectful to the original , the type that would make fans happy and feel good about the film, what movie would you like to do?

AD -I think a grimy, no punches pulled update of MOTEL HELL would be pretty interesting as I think the original is definitely one of those films that doesn't get the credit it deserves and might translate well with an update. I was very excited when Pascal Laugier was attached to do the HELLRAISER remake as I think he would have done it justice - a reboot of the original would not be a bad thing in the right hands and certainly couldn't be any worse then last 4 or 5 sequels they've put out direct to video.

JG- If you had the opportunity to pick a cast and director to star in a movie with , who would they be?

AD -Even though I have no acting skills to speak of, I'd kill to be in anything by Robert Rodriguez. His films look like they'd be a total blast to work on from start to finish.

JG- What would you love to do if conventions were no longer an option , something else in the industry or maybe a whole different career all together?

AD -I actually have a full time career in the social services field and do this as a creative outlet on the side. If not this, I would love to pursue my first love, which is writing. I've actually been working on a few writing projects for close to 10 years and at some point aim to dedicate a bit more time in getting those off the ground.

JG- Are you a reader and if so , what is your favorite book and author?

AD -Sadly, I don't get a chance to read as much as I used to, but the last authors I was seriously into were Nick Hornsby, Chuck Palahniuk, and Irvine Welsh. From time to time I'll pick up something true crime related if it's new and looks promising - I'm particularly into the psychological study behind serial and spree killers and have read a ton of books on the subject.

JG-Now ,fun stuff, if I were to snag your IPOD - what music would be on it right now ???

AD -I actually don't own an IPOD believe it or not, though I do have an extensive music collection of CDs and MP3s on my laptop. It really runs the gamut from James Brown, to Portishead, to The Misfits, to Pantera, and every genre in between. I've been on a bit of an At the Drive In kick ever since I heard of the band getting back together and I've got my fingers and toes crossed that they do a show somewhere in the Chicago or Milwaukee area as I never got a chance to see them live during their original stint.

AD -Be sure to check out our website at http://www.DaysoftheDead.net for info on all THREE of our already announced shows coming up in 2012 - Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Chicago - as well as a very exciting announcement happening in the coming weeks. Also check out FROM DUSK TILL CON, THE definitive online community for fans of horror conventions all over the country! And see you guys at a DAYS OF THE DEAD show near you!

THANK YOU NICOLE- I AM GLAD TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THIS CHANCE TO INTERVIEW YOU , AN UP AND COMING ACTRESS AND PRODUCER- WRITER AND BLOGGER! THANK YOU - I AM GRATEFUL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!

JG- What put you in place to do horror movies? Was there a film in your past that grabbed you that you knew that you wanted to act and horror was the path?

NK -My mom was a big Stephen King fan, I grew up with films like 'The Shining', 'Cat's Eye', 'Pet Semetary', 'Cujo', 'Christine'... etc etc. So it was really my childhood that groomed me for what I most enjoy today. The Shining was the crowning moment of them all though, my mom and I loved to watch that as often as we could and it still remains my favorite horror film to date. One of the amazing things about Stephen King films was how they really relied on story more then hack and slash. It got you so involved in the world?? You were really scared!! They don't really do that much anymore so I hope that as I grow in my career I can bring that feeling back.

JG- What is your favorite horror movie (old and or new) ?

NK -Ha!! As I said above, The Shining. But I've had close seconds... 'The Descent', '28 Days Later', 'Rosemary's Baby', 'Halloween', 'Children of the Corn' and 'Nightmare on Elm Street' are some of my favorites as well.

JG- If you were asked to be in a remake of a classic horror- one that would be respectful to the original , the type that would make fans happy and feel good about the film, what movie would you like to do?

NK -Honestly? I wouldn't. To a great degree I think it's an insult to the original and a desperate need for creative material that Hollywood is lacking. BUT hypothetically? Maybe 'The Exorcist'... that would be one that could benefit from today's technology.. but because of the change in society? It'll never get the same reaction.

JG- If you had the opportunity to pick a cast and director to star in a movie with , who would they be?

NK -The people I'd love to move work with aside from Director Mitchel A. Jones? Well... I'd kill to do a Guy Ritchie Film along side some of my favorite actors, Stelio Savante, Cate Blanchet, Alan Rickman, Geoffrey Rush and Gary Oldman.

JG -What kind of film would you love to do ,not horror in any way shape or form and why ?

NK -ACTION!! I'm an action flick junkie. I love Hong Kong Kung Fu movies too. I love fighting and stunts!! I'd also love to do a period movie but a fantasy one like Pirates of the Caribbean.

JG - What would you love to do if film was no longer an option , something else in the film industry or maybe a whole different career all together?

NK -I don't have anything else. Film is it. =D

JG- Are you a reader and if so , what is your favorite book and author?

NK -Let's say, I used to be? When I was younger I read all the time. C.S. Lewis, Margret Weiss and Tracy Hickman, Dean Koontz, Roderick Anscombe, and a dozen others. May favorite though? 'The Secret Life of Lazlo Count Dracula' by Roderick Anscombe. I hope to one day turn that into a film!

JG - Now ,fun stuff, if I were to snag your IPOD - what music would be on it right now ???

NK -I listen to so many things.. much of it serves as background music to writing. I LOVE Phylr, Current 93, Download, I really like things that have no audience in the US. It's often melodic, trance, world, darkwave, and has no place in radio play. But at the same time?? I love Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Cradle of Filth, 30 Secs to Mars... the only thing I really don't listen to is bubblegum pop (ie Justin Beiber or anyone in the tween to 20 something pop range) and country music. (However I make an exception for The Charlie Daniels band..'Devil went down to Georgia' and anything by Johnny Cash)

NK -Guilty Pleasures... I like teen highschool movies like, "Bring it On" or "Clueless". They have to be well done and funny though. Not much for romantic dramas though. I get bored really fast. (I also don't much like Jennifer Aniston or Julia Roberts.. but I'll watch Sandra Bullock all day). As for music? There are like two Brittany Spears songs I don't hate. And in books? I've nener read a romance novel so I'd call that a no.

JG- I also see that not just an actress, you do some editing and producing ! How did you come about doing this , with your acting ,did this come around as a “do it yourself” gig or is it something your really interested in doing more of ??

NK -I actually produce for a living. My partner and I don't talk about it much because we don't find any use in broadcasting our exploits (it's often a practice of ego or bragging to do) for us, it's just work. The jobs we do, people we've met and interviewed, places we've been flown to? It's not something that I think needs to be publicized.. it then ceases to be work and becomes a about trying to be the "it" kid. Problem is? The real people in this business will most likely just laugh at you for all of the boasting. As for acting? I've wanted to do that all of my life... or at least since the 6th grade (my first stage play).

JG - How did Triwar Pictures get started? What kind of things are on the horizion for Triwar??

NK -TRIWAR was generated into a legal entity in October of 2007. It was the first step in to a real career in filmmaking. Back then I had the grand idea that I was going to come out of the gate with a $2M project. I worked really hard at it, put in every resource I had, cast recognizable names, and 3 years later? Nothing. It was a lesson in reality. You have to start small and build your track record and your network. It's 2012 now and we're finally at that place that will allow us to move from a few thousand in budget to a few 100K and so on and so forth. I can't really say quite yet what's coming? But you'll know sooner then later!

JG - Last but not least- something a little more thought provoking!! What would you say in response to this quote ? “Horror movies do NOT make killers , they only make them more creative!” – I read that as a status on Facebook , and it really intrigued me !

NK -HA! Yeah.. I think the thing that makes killers is bad parenting, chemical imbalances, fits of passion gone astray... I've watched horror movies all my life?! But I cry for hurt animals, people in sad situations, life lost... It's the person not the entertainment that needs to take responsibility for their actions.

The only thing I want to promote more is my blogging at Alienbee.biz!!! Look for me as "ClutchNK". THANK YOU!!

THANK YOU JOHN!!!

THANKS AGAIN NICOLE- KEEP US POSTED ON ALL YOUR ENDEAVORS- FOLKS, CHECK OUT HER PAGE ON FACEBOOK AND HER WEBSITE - SHOW THIS WONDERFUL GAL SOME SUPPORT- SHE IS ONE EXAMPLE OF THE COOL AWESOME FOLKS WHO MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE FOR A LOT OF US IN THE GENRE!!!

WELL - I HAVE TO SAY- THIS GAL HAS PATIENCE OF A SAINT- TOOK ME FOREVER TO GET THIS HONOR DOWN- THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE ON GETTING THESE QUESTIONS TO YOU ! CINDY YOU ROCK AND THE WORLD WILL SOMEDAY KNOW IT - THANK YOU FOR THIS INTERVIEW~~~

JG -What put you in place to do horror movies? Was there a film in your past that grabbed you that you knew that you wanted to act and horror was the path?

CM -I actually had no intentions of doing horror movies. I got into it purely by accident. I had worked with a director on a couple of plays and he e-mailed me that he knew some people that were casting for couple of horror movies and that I should audition. I have always had a love for horror movies so I thought why not!

JG -What is your favorite horror movie (old and or new)? What about the film grabbed you that made it stick in your mind as your favorite?

CM -My favorite always has been and probably always will be The Exorcist. It is still the only movie that truly frightens me. It just has a way of staying with me and making me feel uneasy.

JG -If you were asked to be in a remake of a classic horror- one that would be respectful to the original , the type that would make fans happy and feel good about the film, what movie would you like to do?

CM -The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari would be the only one I would be interested in and even with that I don’t think it could ever be done in a way that would be better than the original. I have a strong aversion to remakes, they always leave me disappointed.

JG -If you had the opportunity to pick a cast and director to star in a movie with, who would they be?

CM -Wow, tough question. First we would have to raise Stanley Kubrick from the dead, which would be a cool movie in itself. And if that wasn’t possible I would love to work with Tim Burton. I love the worlds he creates, where there are no straight lines and I think it would be so wonderful to have a chance to live in one of them for awhile. As far as cast I would really like to work with actors that I could learn from so probably Al Pacino, John Malkovich and Cate Blanchett.

JG -What kind of film would you love to do, not horror in any way shape or form and why?

CM -I love comedy, so that would be my first choice. When I do plays I am always drawn to doing comedies because I love to hear people laugh and I like to know that I made them do it. I seem to have a fondness for watching romantic comedies, so I think I would like to do something like.

JG -What would you love to do if film was no longer an option, something else in the film industry or maybe a whole different career all together?

CM -This is an easy one for me; I would really like to do SPX makeup.

JG -Has there been a role you have done that challenged you in a way that you feel 20 years from now you will still remember the challenge it brought? One that made you think, maybe forced you into another way of thinking?

CM -That would have to be Vivian from Widow. That was a very dark, disturbed character and I had to go to some pretty depressing places inside of me to find her. She was also the first character I played on screen so she has a lot of good memories attached to her.

JG -Now, fun stuff, if I were to snag your IPOD - what music would be on it right now ???

CM -Queen, Aerosmith and pretty much any hair band that ever existed. Yes, I am a product of the 80’s.

CM -My biggest guilty pleasure would have to be The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Not only do I love the movie, but when I am in the car for longer than 30 minutes I have to listen to the Roxy Cast version of the soundtrack. It drives my husband crazy.

JG -Would you ever wanna delve in to the realm of being a director??? Or maybe even a writer for a film??

CM -Never a Director! I am a control freak and I would drive myself crazy trying to do everything because I wouldn’t be able to delegate to others for fear they would screw it up. I would enjoy writing, but I don’t think I could sit still long enough to finish anything.

JG -Now what would you say to the naysayers in regards to filming in Indiana or to those who think that all that comes from here is corn? There are some awesome folks here doing horror, Muscle Wolf Productions and DarkRider Studios, both I do believe in Bloomington! I would think this would be a cool place to set up and film, especially down south- and cheap!

CM -I’ve seen what production companies in Indiana and Kentucky can do first hand and I think Hollywood could learn a few things from us. When you don’t have a lot of money, time or resources you become really creative and I think that’s what “they” are missing. When you have someone on set whose only job is to get the director his special water, you have lost touch with what the rest of us live everyday and that makes it hard to communicate with us.

JG -I have found that folks sometimes “just don’t get it” when it comes to some film and tv- that because it isn’t up for an Oscar or Emmy that it must be crap or they see the film and all they can do is trash it because its cheesy. What, I feel they don’t get, is that sometimes I think the folks who made the film did it just to do it, not to blow everyone’s minds etc, but to just DO IT!! To have the experience. This thought has brought some folks out that claim that film should only be made to have a point and to be the best it can be – and those who make “cheesy” horror are holding the genre back. What do you feel about that?? Weird cheesy question- but it seems to come up a lot, at least in my “circles” lol ! (there must be a message or something to inspire)

CM -If you are doing something that you love, it will never be a waste of time. I admire anyone who goes out and does what they want to do. I‘ve done projects for people that I know will never be seen on a big scale and they are just learning the process, but I love that they think it will be the best thing since sliced bread, because that makes me feel like I am doing something really important, even if that thing is just being a part of their dream. That’s what it’s all about and if you can’t “Get that”, then you obviously never had a dream and I feel sorry for you.

CM -Wow, shameless self-promotion…I love it!
Let’s just say that 2012 has started out really well. I started the year with a music video premiere for NIGHTWATCH, which teamed me up again with Lewis Chaney and Neil Kellen of Keychain-productions and the fabulous Mina Fedora. You can take a look at it right here: http://www.keychain-productions.com/portfolio/mina-fedoras-nightwatch
The pre-quel featurette WIREFACE: In the Beginning just premiered at The Derby City Film Festival in Louisville and will now go on to other festivals. Filming will start late this year on the feature length film WIREFACE.
Also coming in 2012 is THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE. This is a slasher film like no other. You find yourself torn between rooting for the killer as well as his victims. You can find out more about it at http://www.birthday-massacre.com.
I have already signed on to do a small role in upcoming horror movie being made in Kentucky as well as a part in a web series. But I would say that I am most excited about some female vampires that are in my future. Yes, that is a tease, you will have to wait on that one.

FIND THIS MOVIE- AND I DO NOT MEAN WAIT- I MEAN NOW- HEHEHEHE- SHOW THIS GAL SOME LOVE !!

NOW- AFTER READING ALL THIS- HOW THE HECK CANT YOU JUST WANNA GET YOUR BOOTY DOWN THERE ,WHEREVER "DOWN THERE" IS- AND GET THESE FILMS??? BELIEVE ME- SHE WILL ROCK YOUR DVD PLAYER- AND SHE HAS GREAT ACTORS AND ACTRESS TO WORK WITH- GREAT DIRECTORS- SO WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE (THINK OF CLOSING CREDITS OF FERRIS BEULLER)!

These two films are the followups to Headcase that Anthony directed in 2007. Ritual then followed by Post Mortem . I could go on and on about the intense films that they are as I did with Headcase- but it would all come across as just repeating all I put there. So , I will make this short and sweet!

Ritual takes up after Headcase ended- with Andrea in jail and Wayne on the run. The film follows suite with the whole disturbing audacity that Wayne is so callous and so hardened to anything good in life. He could care less that Andrea is in jail and that she is refusing to cooperate with police , that she refuses to help them find Wayne. Wayne is only concerned with finding a new “helper” his protégé , to help and carry one his work. He finds an “excellent” protégé but other things arise that cause some friction between the two- and this can do nothing but bring on disaster. Brinke is awesome- playing as Waynes mother ,Julie, as she did in Headcase. The whole cast does a remarkable job- and this is an intense follow up- the diving deep into the minds of an evil man- and his drive to find a young person who is disillusioned with the world and life itself- and push him further into a pool of insanity! All from the view of home made movies-

Post Mortem- the third and final part of the Headcase Trilogy , this takes you into the strange surreal world of characters from Ritual –just as disturbing- and from home made movies view- the serial killer in this one “takes in” a young boy who is suicidal and has drug addicted family, and promises to help set the boy free of this life.

I know there is probably a lot more that could be said- but it would all sound like what I previously wrote about the first part, Headcase- just take a gander there- and it may answer some questions here.

Anthony has done a great job of making all 3 parts come alive- he had found a way to not only get into the mind of the killer but also “grabs your hand and brings you into the mind of the killer “. We get a look inside the thoughts and ideas and MO of a killer , the candid thoughts . It is thought provoking in how people can get so enticed with a person who is so cold and calculating and so indifferent about people and has no sanctity of life. The challenge is this, can we change this folks who get sucked into this life, can they change themselves, or is it their fate, is it a ‘chemical imbalance”. The quandary is this- if it is just a genetic disposition, or chemical imbalance, how can we condemn them- it places them into the same situation of someone who is bipolar or schizophrenic, and medicines COULD help MIGHT help. This may also be a life where a person is just doomed from the get go, because of their nature. Challenging thoughts- yet so monstrous. Anthony has really brought these questions, even if indirectly to the viewer.
Kudos to you Anthony- kudos to you and the crew, the actors and everyone involved. It is a triumph of cinema- and I am glad to have been able to view these films!

Monday, February 13, 2012

My fb friend Melissa Robinson posted today something that I found very insightful! So I am sharing with you all ! We all have "those " friends that only come to us in time of need or trouble- but as Melissa so perfectly put it- "those who come to in times of need or hardship , they come to you because they see a little light of hope in you"- of course paraphrased- but this is something good to remember! So maybe we are doing something good- maybe not "attracting" bad stuff- but having a chance to be a light in someones dark time!

I WANT TO THANK YOU SUSAN FOR DOING THIS INTERVIEW- I AM GREATFUL TO KNOW YOU WOULD TAKE TIME TO DO THIS- AND TELL MORE ABOUT YOUR GOODIES OUT THERE FOR ALL THOSE WHO READ THIS! I AM HONORED TO HAVE THIS CHANCE!!

1. What put you in place to do horror movies? Was there a film in your past that grabbed you that you knew that you wanted to act and horror was the path?

Firstly, thanks so much, John, for giving me this opportunity. It’s an honor!

I started enjoying the thrill of watching horror movies when I was in my pre-teen years. I remember watching Chiller Theatre late at night during sleep over parties. One of the first Chiller Theatre movies I saw was Psychomania. It terrified me. The image of “Tom Latham,” sitting up on his motorcycle, … dead and in a grave..., had me up at night for days! I now watch it and laugh. His head was actually sticking out of the grave! It’s a quirky film. I have it on DVD.

… but making horror movies and acting in them wasn’t necessarily intentional for me … or was it?

Several years back, I went to a film industry Meet Up group and met my friend, David Karges, who also enjoys horror films. We began a horror film networking group in New York City. When David moved from New York, I created Mingle Mangle: Horror Filmmakers and Fans. I organized networking mixers and meet-ups in various bars in New York City. It was fun. From this group, I met a lot of great people - in person and via the Internet. I eventually started getting requests to act in horror films. One of my favorite horror acting roles was as “Sno Cakes” in The Blood Shed, directed by my friend, Alan Rowe Kelly. That was loads of fun!!! It’s a must see horror comedy that pays homage to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Pink Flamingos, Spider Baby, and Carrie.

Then from there, I wrote, produced, and directed Under the Raven’s Wing. It’s not quite a horror film, but a quirky psycho-thriller/character study that has been embraced by the horror community.

2. What is your favorite horror movie (old and or new)?

Ah! I really think Clive Barker’s Hellbound: Hellraiser II was one of the sickest movies that still has me too frightened to watch alone. The box. Skinless Julia coming out of the mattress. Cenobites. … HELL... or whatever dimensional place that is. Eeek! To creep and scare me that much, it’s got to be good!!!

3. If you were asked to be in a remake of a classic horror- one that would be respectful to the original, the type that would make fans happy and feel good about the film, what movie would you like to do?

Ok. I’m gonna say Psychomania, maybe because I don’t think it has been remade yet. But this time around, I’d like to see some serious motorcycles and some serious tormenting from the biker gang... because riding through a supermarket on what looks like dirt bikes and knocking people down just doesn’t seem brutal enough from people who came back from the dead.... Still, I LOVE the original!

4. How did you find the gals who you directed etc in Raven? They all did wonderful!

Didn’t they?! I posted a casting call on NYCasting and received resumes and headshots from Kimberly Amato (“Raven”) and Jessica Palette (“Jessie”). Kamilla Sofie Sadokova (“Angel”) found the casting post through Back Stage. Coy DeLuca (“The Director”) contacted me months (or years?) earlier through Mingle Mangle or a film I was in that was shot in Buffalo. I kept his headshot and resume handy. See, Actors, it’s worth reaching out even if a director isn’t in pre-production mode yet!

5. What kind of film would you love to do, not horror in any way shape or form and why?

A story about my life.... It would have a lot of joy and pain and lessons learned. I’d like to share my experiences....

… and if I may add, I’d love to make a film for animal rights. Perhaps I could make a film about parrots as I have two wonderful ones of my own....

6. What would you love to do if film was no longer an option, something else in the film industry or maybe a whole different career all together?

In film, I think makeup would be fun. While directing Under the Raven’s Wing, our additional makeup artist pulled out at the last minute so I had to do the makeup on Kimberly Amato, the lead actress. I was enjoying it so much that our Co-Producer, Rachel Gordon, had to pull me away and constantly remind me of the time.

Outside of film, ...I always found geology and funeral services to be interesting....

7. Now you have been able to work with some awesome folks like the Muscle Wolf guys, BrigidMaCaulay, Hollis Ireland – how did this all come about? You have been fortunate to find folks that are passionate about making films, in particular horror

Muscle Wolf was founded by Marv Blauvelt who is a very good friend and associate of mine. He was a part of the Dark Carnival Film Festival when they received The Blood Shed which was selected and screened a few years back. So, Marv contacted me on Myspace.com suggesting a role for me in Pete Jacelone’s film, Sculpture. We enjoyed working together on that film and, since then, Marv has casted me in the Psycho Street anthology for two completely different roles. I also casted him in my short flick, Marinade. It’s been a fun adventure in horror filmmaking! Despite the on-screen terror and gore, there’s quite a bit of laughter going on behind the scenes.

8. Where do you feel movies place in society is? Do you feel it is a reflection of society or perhaps a story put together by individuals who are working through their own issues or a way to deal with tragedy in the world today? Example- there has-been a surge in horror since 911, a lot of folks have I feel PTSS , maybe seeing the everyman defeat the big bad encourages them that we can overcome? Or maybe our own fear of the future and feeling powerless if we prepare inside for the worse, when it happens we aren’t as shocked? Make sense??

In main stream/large studio films, I think the horror surge is strictly linked to the desire for box office profits. As for independent/low budget films, it could very well be the filmmakers working through their experiences. But ALL films should have a bit of the creators’ own personal experience and heart in it.

I’m not an expert, but they say that in times of war, movie viewing goes up. If horror viewing increases, perhaps it’s because it’s easier to watch and escape through fictional horror instead of dealing with the real horror. Horror movies also make the reality less terrible in comparison. But, in my opinion, war, hunger, and cruelty of any kind is beyond what we relate to in the movies as “horror.” Think of all the pain humans, animals, and this Earth have suffered in the hands of evil men! For example: the Nazi’s - REAL life monsters!

9. How did you“find” or come to discover that Buddhism would be your spiritual path to follow??Any tidbits of wisdom you find are the main things you try to apply to your life ever day??

I was raised Catholic/Born Again. My mom asked me to accept Christ in my heart when I was about 6 years old. I envisioned Jesus inside my heart, ...literally..., like I swallowed a tiny man and he got into my heart. My mother was so proud and told all her friends. She took me to prayer meetings where they spoke in tongues and “slayed in the spirit.” This terrified me as a child. I tried to follow Christianity into my adulthood, but always felt out of place and frightened by the fire and brimstone preaching.

Serendipitously, I found myself at a Buddhist meeting a little over a year ago. At first, the chanting made me feel uneasy as I envisioned the speaking in tongue meetings my mother took me to, but sure enough, I quickly became very comfortable with the natural and beautiful chant of Nom Myoho Renge Kyo and the genuine people in the group. I decided to give it a try-- and it stuck! I now practice and study Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism through Soka Gakkai International and I recently received my own Gohonzon (object of devotion in the form of a scroll) on New Years Eve of this year (2012). I am experiencing the positive change and looking forward to absolute happiness which is available to everyone.

Under the Raven’s Wing will be screening at the Stiletto Film Festival where I will also be one of the judges and on the women’s panel with other fine and talented ladies. Please come if you’re in the Boston area! http://www.stilettofilmfest.com/

For more info, feel free to visit my website at www.blueeyedproductions.com and my blog at http://s284502250.onlinehome.us/blog/

My resume and credits can be found on IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2148045/

John, thanks so much for this interview. It was so much fun and it’s been a joy getting to know you and being your friend.

SUSAN, LIKE WISE- I HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED OUR TIME HERE AND OUR FRIENDSHIP!

LINK TO MY UNDER THE RAVENS WING REVIEW -http://valor23.blogspot.com/2011/12/under-ravens-wings-2007-review.html